McInnis Looby won't predict an outright victory for himself, but he insists tomorrow's Heritage Day cycling race from Somerset to Hamilton will not be a repeat of last year.

On that occasion Whayman Butterfield sneaked ahead of the pack as the riders passed City Hall in Hamilton and with a stunning burst of speed managed to outsprint the field in a dash to the finish line, completing the 12.5 miles in 26.31 minutes.

Looby has painful memories of that race after being beaten by just a wheel-length by Butterfield.

Now with several weeks of training in California under his belt, he says he's not about to be surprised by anyone in the field of 45 this year.

"I think I'm capable of winning it,'' said Looby yesterday. "I won't say that I will because one can get a puncture or (be involved in) a spill. But there will be a strong, fast field of riders and I expect it to be a very interesting race.'' With the field boasting the cream of Bermuda cycling, Looby expects this year's finishing time to be considerably faster than a year ago. In fact, he intends to make it a fast race from the time the cyclists leave Somerset and make their way into town via Middle and Harbour Roads.

Reflecting on last year's race he reckoned too often riders took the lead temporarily before relaxing and allowing the rest of the field to catch up.

This tactic, he believes, led to a slow time and also a lacklustre race.

"I have to feel that after all of the hard work and racing I have done in California that I can win the race,'' he added. "I'm certainly confident that I can stick in there with anybody, but we'll just have to wait and see.'' By forcing the pace himself, he believes a fast finishing time of around 25 minutes could be achieved.

"I really think that last year's time will be easily shattered, and I wouldn't be surprised if it's close to 25 minutes,'' he said.

In addition to having the reigning champion to contend with, Looby faces a class field which includes Sinclair Packwood, who last year was bidding for a hat-trick of wins before having to settle for third, another former champion Mike Lee and veteran Greg Hopkins, winner of the recent Bermuda Grand Prix.

Also capable of finishing among the leaders are Damion Wilson, Dana Henry, Tim Palmer and Stephane Carpentier.

The race starts from outside the Royal Naval Field in Somerset at 9 a.m. and finishes on Cedar Avenue.

McInnis Looby